It is widely expected that when one holds a powerful political seat in Kenya, they will amass enough wealth to support themselves for most of their life after politics.
While such positions come with good salaries, it is expected that office holders will at least save or invest a substantial amount of money that would benefit them once they leave office.
Nonetheless, this has not been the case for former Vihiga County Deputy Governor Caleb Amaswache, who went from holding such a powerful position to becoming a hawker in order to make ends meet.
How did a former deputy governor end up in this position? Times Digital Kenya takes a look at how Caleb Amaswache went from earning good money to struggling in life.
From a Deputy Governor to a Firewood Hawker
Having served as deputy governor under former Vihiga County boss Moses Akaranga from 2013 to 2017, Caleb Amaswache was not short of a flashy lifestyle, good security detail, and exquisite vehicles while in office.
However, this gradually changed after he left office in 2017, as within just a few years he was eventually reduced to a “common mwananchi,” struggling to make ends meet.
Imagine someone who moved from such privileges within a few years to now being unable to pay his bills, including catering for his children’s education. That is the case with the former Vihiga deputy governor.
From earning a salary of around Sh600,000 to now selling firewood in his rural home village in Luanda town, the former DG now makes slightly above KSh200 on a good day.
He supplies firewood to various hotels within Luanda as well as to residents in the neighborhood. During his time in office as Vihiga’s second most powerful person, residents used to queue to book appointments with him. Now, in contrast, they are his firewood customers, and no appointment is required at all.
While speaking to Citizen TV in a previous interview, Caleb Amaswache expressed disappointment, stating that someone who dedicated his life to serving his country does not deserve to live such a life.
According to him, he is now forced to walk on foot as he cannot afford to own a car and therefore appeals to the current county leadership to provide him with at least a vehicle.
Now, the only good memories he has are the portraits of him with senior government officials whom he mingled with during his days as deputy governor.
In an effort to find employment, Caleb Amaswache has attempted to apply for jobs in various institutions, including the IEBC, but all in vain.
